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He said: "I believe that I could bring to the position of Speaker a robust impartiality founded on a passionate belief in parliamentary democracy and a deep love of the Palace of Westminster in general, and the House of Commons in particular."

The new speaker will be chosen on June 22.

MPs believe the strongest candidates are Sir George Young and John Bercow, both Tories, and Sir Alan Beith, a Liberal Democrat.

Sir George, a baronet who chairs the Commons standards committee, has the tacit backing of many senior Conservatives.

Mr Bercow, a former Tory frontbencher, is the choice of many Labour MPs.

Sir Alan, who chairs the Commons justice committee, is hoping to emerge as the candidate best able to win votes from all the major parties.

Sir Alan Haselhurst, the current deputy speaker, is also set to run. And Ann Widdecombe, the former Tory minister, has said she will stand as an interim candidate until the next general election.

Frank Field, the outspoken former Labour minister is the only other likely candidate from his party. Popular with Tories, he lacks support on the Labour benches.